By Hayley Babbitt and Luke Baum
The shore of Saugatuck Dunes State Park. 2023 by Hayley Babbitt.
With five Great Lakes, and more than 11,000 other lakes, there's no lack of beaches in the state of Michigan. Despite the hundreds of beaches in Michigan, there are a handful that simply can't be beat when it comes to beauty and privacy. One of the best beaches in the lower peninsula is right on Lake Michigan: Saugatuck Dunes State Park. What used to be a "hidden gem" of a beach is now gaining popularity every year, so I highly recommend visiting as soon as you get the chance.
Above: Luke testing his gear along the winding trails through Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Michigan. 2023 by Hayley Babbitt
Above: Beginning the beach trail to the beach, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Michigan. 2023 by Luke Baum
Since Saugatuck Dunes State Park (SP) is open year-round, there are several outdoor activities that you can do on the 2.5 miles of shoreline, 300-acre natural area, and 13 miles of trails. To even get to the lakeshore, you must pick one of four trails to reach the beach which makes this a perfect beach for hikers and runners. While this once was somewhat of a secret beach, overtime it has now developed into more of a family-friendly beach that is popular amongst the locals of Saugatuck.
Above: Approaching the lakeshore at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Lake Michigan. 2023 by Luke Baum
In the warmer season, the water is perfect for swimming after your hike to the beach (besides during the black fly hatch period: late August). I personally tend to hike in the colder months and go trail running in the warmer months when I visit Dunes SP. On exceptionally hot days, jumping in the water after a long run is the best part of my day.
Above: Parasailing above Lake Michigan, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Michigan. 2023 by Luke Baum
Pretty much any outdoor recreational activity you can think of can be done at Saugatuck Dunes SP, which is what makes this location more than just a beach. If you're not into summer-sports, consider visiting in the wintertime. I visited the park in Feb. 6, 2023 and spotted some people snowshoeing one of the trails. Another common winter activity at the park is cross country skiing, which is why one of the trails is not groomed in the snow season.
Above: Last moments of sunset beyond Lake Michigan, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Michigan. 2022 by Luke Baum
Above: Late-Autumn at Saugutuck Dunes State Park, Michigan. 2024 by Luke Baum
Although Dunes might now be packed on a hot summer day, the colder seasons still give off the quaint, quiet feeling the park once had before word got out. If you haven't visited Saugatuck Dunes State Park yet, here is your sign to go.
For more information about park closures, etc., click here.
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